09/04/2026
Our residents recently enjoyed an incredible tour of the historic Frederick DeBary home, stepping back in time to experience Old Florida. Built in 1871 as a winter retreat for a European w**e merchant, this estate was once a hub for hospitality, hunting, and entertaining along the St. Johns River.
It was fascinating to see how beautifully the home’s history has been preserved. We admired the original architecture, spacious verandas, tall windows, and even the antique call system and luggage elevator! The home tells a vivid story of life over 150 years ago through its period details and artifacts. Beyond the 8,000-square-foot house, we learned about the estate’s evolution—from a 6,000-acre property involved in orange growing and commercial steamboating to the preserved site we see today. Between the magnificent architecture and the majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss, there was so much to appreciate. We are so grateful to DeBary Hall for such a memorable look into our local history!
We finished our wonderful day with a delicious lunch at Swamp House Riverfront Grill. The food and the beautiful riverside setting were the perfect conclusion to our outing. We had such a great time that we are already looking forward to returning for a St. Johns River Eco Tour and another fantastic meal!
